Children commonly get full braces between ages 9 and 14, but that doesn’t mean a six-year-old can’t benefit from a visit to the orthodontist. Age seven is the recommended age for an orthodontic evaluation at our Houston dental office, but you are welcome to bring your younger child in anytime if you have concerns.
Interceptive or Phase 1 Orthodontics
The treatment a child would receive at age six is called interceptive orthodontics or Phase 1 orthodontics. This early intervention allows our pediatric dentist to address issues they can’t correct after your child’s face and jaw stop growing.
Some reasons we would recommend early orthodontic treatment include the following:
- Create space in the jaw for adult teeth to erupt properly
- Address a malocclusion or bite problem
- Hold space for teeth that haven’t erupted
- Minimize trauma to protruding front teeth
- Reduce the need to remove teeth
- Speed up braces’ treatment times
Does Your Child Need Braces?
When your child is losing baby teeth and gaining adult teeth, you might notice that some teeth seem to come in at an angle. This does not automatically mean your child needs braces! It’s common for incoming adult teeth to straighten into the correct position as they emerge and your child’s mouth grows.
However, you are always welcome to call Echeverri Dental Center and book an appointment at our Houston, TX, dental office. We treat children of all ages, from infants to teens, and are happy to see your child and answer your questions. We are conveniently located in the Spring Branch neighborhood of Houston.